The closing sign will soon be going up earlier, at a North Canterbury hot pools

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa has announced it will be shutting at 7pm instead of 9 from Monday - due to a lack of lifeguards.

General manager Graeme Abbot says it's as a result of employing more casual student staff, who have returned to school or university, than usual.

He says apart from during the Covid-19 pandemic, they've never had to reduce pool hours.